The Florida manatee is one of two subspecies of the West Indian manatee. Manatees are well-represented in Florida’s fossil record. Their remains date back to prehistoric times and are one of the more common vertebrae fossils from ancient marine deposits. Manatee remains have been found in Native American rubbish heaps in Florida, sites that predate the arrival of the early Spaniards. The early colonists described how these natives hunted the manatee and were quick to appreciate the intrinsic value of the species.
In 1893, the State of Florida passed legislation that prohibited killing manatees. The West Indian manatee, including both the Florida and Antillean subspecies, was further protected in 1972 and 1973 with the passage of the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act, respectively. Florida allowed suit, further protecting the Florida manatee through state endangered species legislation and the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act in 1978. As of 2010, the largest number of manatees counted in a statewide survey was 5,076.
Collisions with boat hulls and propellers of personal watercraft account for 25% of all manatee deaths since 1974 — manatees frequent shallow seagrass beds to graze, leaving them vulnerable to boat strikes. There are speed limits in areas where manatees dwell, and it is crucial to follow them. Responsible boating can also help to keep their habitat intact and protect their primary food source. Seagrass is a dietary staple of Florida manatees and green sea turtles. Due to the sensitive interconnected root system of seagrass, just one long drag of a boat propeller can cause a large area to die.
The Florida manatee is a significant part of the state’s natural, cultural and historic heritage. By working together, we can ensure that manatees are a continuing part of our heritage and future.
